On 23 January 2025, at the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, a ceremony was held to present the International Accreditation Certificate confirming the Regional Centre for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Safety and Security high level of compliance with IAEA standards. On the basis of this accreditation, the Centre was officially granted the status of a Regional Centre for the countries of Central Asia.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Ilhom Mirsaidzoda, Director of the CBRN Safety and Security Agency of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Mr. Idibek Kalandar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Republic of Austria, Permanent Representative to the OSCE, and other International Organizations, and Mr. Zafar Safaralizoda, representative of the Presidential Office of Tajikistan, as well as representatives of international organizations and IAEA experts.
 

Among of the 180 Member States of the IAEA, only 11 countries in the world have such regional centres for nuclear and radiation safety and security. The Republic of Tajikistan became the 12th country where such a centre was established and accredited. Now, Tajikistan at the same level as such major powers as the United States, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, Japan, China, France and others countries.

The Regional Centre, inaugurated last year by the Founder of Peace and National Unity - Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, was established to enhance the security and scientific capabilities of Tajikistan. International accreditation by the IAEA confirms that the Centre meets stringent CBRN safety and security requirements, including equipment, staff training and research.

The awarding of the status of a regional centre for Central Asian countries was an important event that opens up new opportunities for cooperation. The Centre will now provide services, including training and research, not only for specialists from Tajikistan, but also for all countries in the region. This includes training for law enforcement and military structures, research in nuclear forensics, biosecurity and chemical analytics.
 

The Director of the CBRN Safety and Security Agency of NAST, Dr. Ilhom Mirsaidzoda, in his speech noted that the accreditation of the Centre by the IAEA is the result of many years of work, international support and special attention given to this project by the Founder of Peace and National Unity - Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon and the Mayor of Dushanbe city, His Excellency Rustami Emomali. He noted that thanks to the personal initiative and support of the President of the country and the Mayor of the city, the Centre was built and equipped with modern equipment, which allowed it to meet high international standards.

Dr. Ilhom Mirsaidzoda also emphasized that the Centre will become a key link in ensuring the security of the region and will make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of Central Asia.

Mr. Zafar Safaralizoda from Presidential Office of Tajikistan gratitude of the international organizations, including the IAEA, for their support in the establishment of the Centre and noted the importance of further cooperation to achieve common goals in the field of global security.

The Regional Centre will continue its work as a platform for international conferences, workshops and scientific research aimed at countering the posed by CBRN materials risks. The ceremony at the IAEA Headquarters underlines the importance of the international recognition of the Centre and reinforces Tajikistan role as a reliable partner for global security and sustainable development. The establishment of such a Regional Centre in Tajikistan demonstrates the international community appreciation of the country contribution to security and non-proliferation.